Glamping in Lancaster, Ohio offers accommodations within a 25-mile radius of city limits, spanning elevations from 800 to 1,100 feet. Most luxury camping sites in the region experience seasonal operation with closures from November through March due to Ohio's winter conditions, with occasional overnight temperatures dropping below 20°F. The surrounding Fairfield County terrain combines rolling hills with scattered forest patches and wetland areas.
What to do
Hiking to natural formations: At Boulders Edge provides short trails leading to Rock Bridge. "The outdoor shower is awesome! Such a nice place tucked away that isn't as over crowded as other places," noted one camper about this Native American-inspired retreat.
Fishing at local lakes: Jackson Lake Park offers fishing opportunities for campers seeking recreational water activities. "I was pretty impressed with the park. Lots of fun for kids with the swimming pond and arcade," reports a visitor who enjoyed the aquatic options.
Outdoor water activities: Lake Hope State Park Campground features multiple water recreation options. One visitor shared, "We spent some time at the lake and rented a paddle board and a water bike which was so much fun! We also did some kayaking as well as driving to different hiking paths around the area."
What campers like
Private shower facilities: Jackson Lake Park gets high marks for its bathroom design. "The bathroom/shower facility are private individual units and are the cleanest we have ever seen!" said one satisfied camper at this family-friendly destination.
Kid-friendly amenities: Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds provides multiple play options. A visitor reported, "There is a nice sized sand ground play set with swings and 2 slides, an air pillow (blob) putt putt, a trail to the lake, a dog run, poop pickup stations, an A/C'd game room and very pleasant staff."
Secluded tent sites: Geneva Hills Camp and Event Center offers tent camping above wetland areas. A recent camper noted, "Tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren't any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp. It was a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many camping areas have spotty connectivity. One Tar Hollow State Park Campground visitor warned, "It is pretty remote (no cell phone coverage at even the top of the hills), and really is a chance to 'get away' from the modern life."
Campsite selection matters: When reserving at Lake Hope State Park, note that "Camp sites are very small and very unlevel, had to raise back of camper and put front about a 1/4" off ground to get close to level. Site around is sloped in all directions."
Seasonal availability: Most Lancaster area luxury camping options operate during warmer months only. Hocking Hills KOA Holiday has a specific operational season from "April 1 to November 1," similar to other glamping facilities in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with built-in entertainment: Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA offers multiple activities for children. "Great place for kids, they had a blast! Great atmosphere, friendly staff! Will deliver wood to site & had lots of amenities," shared one family who enjoyed their stay.
Consider proximity to bathrooms: At Jackson Lake Park, bathroom location matters. A camper advised, "They were VERY far from the camp area (the one in the arcade room was close but it was closed after 11pm) and the bathrooms they did have only typically had one working stall."
Look for educational opportunities: Lake Hope State Park offers unique wildlife experiences. "The naturalists feed hummingbirds at the nature center. They pull the feeders for awhile leading up to a 'Feed the Hummingbirds' program. So cool! The birds come right to you!" reported an enthusiastic visitor.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Many Lancaster area campgrounds have sloped sites. At Lakeview RV Park, one camper reported getting "a nice pull through site for a quick stop over my way to upper Michigan. There's a really nice pond and has water activities if you stay longer. Easy in/out."
Consider hookup options: Full-service sites are available at select campgrounds. A Hocking Hills KOA Holiday visitor noted, "They have sites that are full hook up with wooden decks prices were 80.00 to 135.00 per night for those that were paved and with decks. All the others were water and electric."
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options. At Lake Hope State Park, a camper observed, "We'd usually snatch up site 98 or 99...or both. No one would usually go that deep into the park. It was private...pit latrine nearby...flat and airy."
